116 !!Chapter 6
on stringed instruments. This creates a delicate, glittering effect. Harmon-
ics can be played in two ways on the violin: 1)natural harmonics, which
are played on the open strings by lightly placing a finger a perfect fourth
above the open string, resulting in a harmonic that sounds two octaves
above the sound of the open string, and 2)artificial harmonics, which are
played by placing a finger a perfect fourth above a stopped finger (a finger
placed on a string to create a specific note). In this scenario, the harmonic
sounds two octaves above the stopped note—not a fourth. For example, if
the desired note is two octaves above the open G string, the finger is lightly
placed on middle C. Harmonics are notated by placing a small, diamond-
shaped symbol a fourth above the basic note.
We have discussed the most commonly used bowing techniques; there
are additional bowings.
Violin
The violin is played by drawing a bow across the four strings, plucking
the strings (pizzicato), or striking the strings (with the bow) in a percussive
manner. Violinists place their fingers in various places (called positions)
on the fingerboard. Practically, there are eight positions, but positions
number as high as 15.
Range:The violin is a nontransposing instrument. Parts are written in
the treble clef. It has four open strings, which are tuned in perfect fifths.
The lowest open string is G, below middle C, followed by D, A, and E. The
highest note is E, which sounds one octave higher than the third leger line
above the treble clef (see examples 6-15 and 6-16).
Example 6-15 Violin open strings.Example 6-16 Violin range.The orchestral violin section is divided into two sections: first and sec-
ond violins. The concertmaster of the orchestra has traditionally been the